In a significant move, Congress State President, Jitu Patwari, declared that the party would launch a statewide agitation in Madhya Pradesh to address the concerns of farmers. He criticized the BJP government, accusing it of not fulfilling its promises made to farmers during elections. Patwari, addressing the issue of mounting debts and crime rates, expressed the party’s intention to stand in solidarity with the farmers through protests.
Allegations against the BJP Government
Patwari lambasted the BJP government, asserting that despite announcing support prices of INR 3100 per quintal for paddy and INR 2700 per quintal for wheat, the promises appear to be mere electoral gimmicks. He emphasized that the government has not adhered to these declared support prices, leaving farmers in distress. The Congress leader highlighted the deteriorating economic condition of households due to the continuous burden of loans imposed by the state government.
Patwari’s Accusations and Announcements
Jitu Patwari accused the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government of accumulating INR 28,000 crores in debt over the past year, and now, the current Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav’s administration has taken an additional INR 15,000 crores within just two months. He asserted that the government’s focus on debt accumulation is detrimental to the economic well-being of the citizens.
Drawing attention to the recent budget allocation for debt repayment, Patwari criticized the government’s prioritization of loan payments over addressing the urgent needs of the people. He highlighted the Aarogya Setu notification, indicating an additional INR 5500 crores of debt, as evidence of the government’s misplaced financial priorities.
Congress’ Plan of Action
Jitu Patwari declared that the Congress party has resolved to initiate a series of protests for farmers. Starting at the block level this week, Congress members, along with farmers and their families, will stage demonstrations. The agitation will escalate to district-level protests next week, followed by Mandal-level protests in the subsequent weeks, covering every procurement center in the state.
The Congress leader asserted that the BJP government must fulfill its promise of providing INR 2700 for wheat and INR 3100 for paddy. Patwari vowed to stand with the farmers and fight for their rights, emphasizing that the Congress party, under his leadership, will represent the interests of the common people against the government’s policies.
Jitu Patwari’s announcement signals an intensified political and social battle in Madhya Pradesh, with the Congress party positioning itself as the advocate for farmers’ rights and economic well-being. The success or impact of these protests will unfold in the coming weeks, potentially shaping the political landscape of the state.